Blawg of Attorney Christine M Bechtold

I recently received the following email from a concerned grandfather who, like many, paid for a complicated divorce when it may not have been necessary: “The case began when my daughter and grand kids arrived at my home leaving her husband in another state. They had no assets and the reason left no option but divorce. He was a stay at home dad and pleaded ‘no money’ to help with legal or other expenses but agreed the divorce was necessary. He soon moved to Atlanta with the help of his parents. My daughter quickly started a new job. I contacted Christine but was referred to a high profile attorney and paid the firm $5,000 to begin the process then stepped aside and let all bills be mailed to my daughter who had moved to her new residence.  I gave them no specifications or budget. Soon I was hearing about interviews and negotiations. I learned he had to sign an agreement or go to court. So in my mind, they were preparing a divorce to his specifications. My daughter delivered t

Many people have heard the word alimony but aren’t sure exactly what it is. When a couple is divorcing their once shared assets are divided up and that may include a sudden decrease in previously shared income for one spouse. Alimony can be appropriate in any divorce where one spouse earns less than the other and they are in need of financial support during a divorce. “Alimony is payment by one spouse to the other for support and maintenance.” GA Bar. Alimony is either ordered as temporary or permanent. Temporary alimony is ordered in the amount needed to keep things as they are while the divorce is in process, while permanent alimony is awarded when the divorce is final for long-term support. As with many issues in divorce, spouses can agree to the terms of the alimony on their own. Typically in uncontested divorces alimony is not seen, but if the parties agree otherwise, it can certainly be part of their final divorce. If the parties cannot agree on alimony, and one party is reque

Divorcing couples often come face-to-face with unexpected financial issues when going through a divorce. Here are a few general tips to deal with the financial stress of divorce: Separate your bank accounts. Separating your checking and savings accounts before your divorce may make the divorce process less stressful because it will be one less issue for the Courts to decide. Check your credit. If you are unsure of your credit accounts, run a credit report prior to your divorce to ensure you are covering all of your bases. Clients are often surprised to learn that divorce does not impact joint credit card or other joint debts unless they are specifically addressed in your divorce documentation. If your name is on a credit card you are still responsible for that account. Do not stop paying your debts. Your debts and financial obligations do not stop during a divorce. Ensure that your marital debts are being addressed to avoid any future fees and consequences. Check your deed.

The Norcross Police Department is, "warning residents about door-to-door salesmen selling alarm systems who reportedly are misrepresenting endorsements for their products." Fox 5 3/12/11 . Did you know there is a Federal law that governs sales that take place in your home? Federal law 16 C.F.R. 429 lists your rights regarding most door-to-door sales, including specific contract requirements for sales at your home. GA Consumer Rights. It is important to be aware of your rights! What to do when a salesperson knocks on your door: Remember that you do not need to answer the door. It is your home and you can simply not answer the door. If you do answer the door, be safe. Do not immediately allow a stranger to enter your home. Try to talk to the salesperson on your porch or front step instead of allowing them into your home. If you do allow the person into your home, first be sure to ask for and check their credentials, including: name tag, uniform, business c

In most cases, yes! "Prenuptial agreements are on the rise . . . and even Britain's Prince William may be considering one." ABA 3/1/11. Although you may not have royal wealth to protect, this type of planning is right for everyone entering into marriage. A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, can help a marrying couple clarify what will happen to their personal and financial items in the event of divorce. These documents have been recognized in Georgia since 1982 , and have specific requirements an attorney can help you with. Each party to a prenup needs their own attorney to ensure their assets are protected. If you are interested in this marriage planning tool, contact our office today. http://bechtold-law.com/Prenup.html

A Georgia court recently held that "A party may not be held in contempt for violation of a court order unless the order informs him in definite terms as to the duties thereby imposed on him." Morgan v. Morgan, DailyReport S10A1365. This decision was related to a Agreed Domestic Relations Order (ADRO), but the same would hold true for any type of agreement. It is important to have the correct details in writing. Legal contracts and forms can be found all over the internet these days, however they often do not address your specific concerns. Contracts and agreements should be written to your specific issues and can be catered to your needs. Contact The Law Office of Christine M Bechtold to help you with your legal contract. http://www.bechtold-law.com/Contract.html